Moving to Italy
Italy is a southern country with a rich culture and immense history that always attracted those who want to change their lives for the better. If you are also one of the people planning to move to Italy, then we offer you our guide on how to move to Italy and what you need to know before packing.
It does not matter if you are moving to Italy for a job, to open a business or receive an education in one of the Italian universities, it is crucial to understand all the import regulations and prohibitions to avoid trouble from the beginning. We will explain how to make moving to Italy as smooth and efficient as possible.
Moving to Italy by Sea Freight
The most affordable way to move household goods to Italy is via Sea freight. The sea freight shipping method provides multiple options to relocate your possessions safely overseas depending on your needs. Consider the following choices when moving to Italy:
Moving to Italy by Air Freight
The fastest way to move to Italy is by Air Freight. Your household goods will be available for your use in a matter of days in case you urgently need them. As shipping by Air Freight is at a more expensive rate when compared with sea freight shipments, it works best for low-volume or lightweight cargo.
If you are planning a move to Italy with all of your household belongings, it is best to use the full container load shipping method. The FCL refers to your belongings being transported in your one personal container, which only you have access to. It is a great option if you transport some luxury or high-value possessions.
The shared container shipping method is a perfect way to move to Italy only necessary and low-volume items. The is refers to an overseas cargo that consists of multiple shipments gathered to be transported to the same destination or area. In case you do not require a personal container when moving to italy, consider the following two options:
Groupage Shipping
When moving to Italy using groupage shipping, your items will be collected by the international moving company and put in storage to be sent when there will be enough small cargo to fill one full container. Although the whole process will take more time, all the shipping costs will be split by the customers.
LCL shipping
Whenever groupage shipping is not available for your relocation destination or you need your items to be delivered faster, we recommend using Less than Container Load. The international moving company will craft a custom wooden crate in which your items will be shipped being passed it on to a freight forwarder.
It is known that the fastest way to move from one place to another is by plane. Therefore, shipping your household goods by air freight is a convenient way to move to Italy if you need your items quickly and with minimum wait time. Your cargo will arrive in Italy in a matter of days. Choose one of the following shipment sizes when moving to Italy:
Door to Port vs. Door to Door Moving
Consider the next two services when moving to Italy:
Choose a door-to-port relocation service whenever you desire to have more control over the shipment when moving to Italy. In this case, the international moving company will disassemble and pack your items to be shipped to Italy after which the goods will be under your overview.
Shipping household goods using door-to-door service is the most convenient and stress-free way to move to Italy. The international moving company will arrange the packing and shipment of your items as well as deliver them to your new home in Italy.
Moving household goods to Italy
Customs Regulations
- When moving to Italy, as a standard practice, all the used household goods are granted duty-free entry and cars
- The customer/shipper might not be required to be present during the customs clearance if all the documents and permits are available prior to the shipment’s arrival
- VAT tax of 25% will be charged if required documents are not provided
Restricted and Dutiable Items
Non-EU citizens moving to Italy may import duty-free the following items( over 17 y.o) in personal luggage:
- 200 cigarettes / 100 cigarillos ( max. 3 grams each) / 50 cigars / 250g of tobacco ( may combine but not exceed the total limit when travelling by air or sea)
- 40 cigarettes / 20 cigarillos / 10 cigars / 50g of tobacco ( may combine but not exceed the total limit when travelling by land)
- 4 L of wine and 16 L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22$ volume / 2 L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume ( may combine but not exceed the total limit)
- Other goods valued up to $430 ( air and sea travellers) and $300 for other travellers
- Electrical appliances must be listed with the serial number, trademark and date of purchase (TV, radio, video record, etc). Proof of purchase might be required
Prohibited Items
- Food items
- Unlicensed firearms and weapons
- Counterfeit goods
- Animal Products
- Drugs and narcotics
- Plants and plant products
- Non-prescribed medicines and drugs
- Cordless electronics and walkie-talkies
- Cultural artifacts (must be accompanied by an export licence)
Shipping a Car to Italy
The vehicle imported to Italy will be duty-free if the owner can prove that the vehicle is for personal use only and the owner lived abroad for more than 12 months. The vehicle must comply with European import standards.
Required documents:
- The Owner’s Passport (copy of 2 first pages)
- Italian fiscal code (copy)
- Original Title ( for a duty-free entrance the car must be owned by the shipper for no less than 6 months)
- Original Bill of Lading
- Technical Datasheets (by manufacturer)
- Original Registration
- Valid insurance to drive in Italy
- Certificate of Residence/Consular documents
- Copy of Diplomatic Franchise/Telespresso address to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued by shipper’s diplomatic organization in Italy (Diplomats only)
Moving Pets to Italy
If you plan to move your pets to Italy you must familiarize yourself with the following obligations and requirements:
- Pet must be over 3 months old
- Pet must be microchipped or tattooed ( by ISO-11784 standards)
- Approved for travel per carrier/container
- Maximum of 5 pets per passenger
Electronics in Italy
Before packing to move to Italy, check whether your electrical goods and compliances would work. Italy has a C/F/L plug type with a single-phase 230v voltage power. For example, electronics imported to Italy from Canada would not work.
Customs Forms
Here we have collected all the necessary forms and documents you will need in order to import your personal effects into Italy. In addition please check if you need any additional documents/forms on the official Border Italy Website
How We Work
We could have wrote 100 beautiful words here - but instead take a look on how we move below
Hercules goes the extra mile to ensure that all of your most valuable art is protected. Expert wrapping and packaging methods start the highest quality moving & packing materials. Our mover training program ensures that every team has an expert who can safely pack any item so it arrives in the same condition it left.
Hercules can build custom measured crates and containers to meet your specific long distance shipping needs. If you are moving, and have a taxidermy collection, the experts at HMC can help. Our crateless system is effective for securing any type or size of trophy.
To avoid damage to fragile items during a long-distance move to your new residence, office or storage unit Hercules will use all the right materials and implement the proper packing techniques for maximum protection.
With the right training and proper equipment, your furniture will be handled safely in any situation.
Not all furniture is the same size. Hercules uses various materials to prepare furniture for moving: moving blankets, cardboard, bubble wrap, or alligator wrap. HMC movers and packers will pack your furniture the right way.
